What we want

December 21st, 2014

We have a number of long-running and shorter-term campaigns. Read about a selection of our long term aims below. For news on specific current issues, see the news page.

Network

Clearly, the major focus of everyone involved with providing for cycling in Southampton is the coherence, appropriateness and quality of our cycle network. Southampton Cycling Campaign is arguably the best organisation for consultation on current and future projects because its membership comprises a wide variety of cyclists. We aim to ensure that we are involved at every possible step in the planning process for new developments and cycling facilities to ensure that the interests of cyclists and would-be cyclists are best served.

Projects

We intend to keep high the profile and morale of Southampton Cycling Campaign by undertaking various ‘hands on’ projects. These could be revamping a cycle-training site, running fun events helping keep cycleways maintained. We are willing to be ambitious! If you have any suggestions for projects that could meet your community’s needs do please let us know.

Awareness

Increasing the uptake of cycling and raising awareness of cycling-related issues are two separate but interrelated areas that Southampton Cycling Campaign consider vital to improving cycling in the city. Without awareness of cycling and its benefits and pleasures, people will not be encouraged to give it a go. Similarly, by experiencing cycling, people will become better informed of the needs of cyclists and the value of cycling. Through projects, information events and close contact with other organisations, we hope to encourage a positive attitude to cycling.

Disrepair

Road repair is the Council’s responsibility. However, repairs won’t be done if problems are not reported so do please report the problems you experience on your regular journeys!

Safety

How many people have said “I would cycle if I felt safer”? There are days when even the most hardened road cyclist can empathise, but consider this: in 2001 there were more than 58,000 deaths from heart disease that were attributed to inactivity – in the same year there were fewer than 200 cyclists killed. It’s quite persuasive isn’t it?

However, the issue of cyclist safety is a real one and must be tackled by more appropriate provision for cycling, increasing the number of people cycling, raising awareness of the needs of cyclists with motorists (let’s be honest, motorists are the main offenders) and even by tightening up the law where necessary.

Contraflow Cycle Lanes

Contraflow allow cyclists to travel in both directions in a one-way street. Southampton Cycling Campaign would like to see all one-way streets in the city with contraflow lanes for cyclists. One-way streets can often result in a longer and dangerous journey with more junctions to negotiate. One effective means of addressing these situations would be to introduce arrangements that allow cyclists to travel in both directions in a one-way street.

A contraflow lane should be at least 2m wide, but where road widths are restricted this can be reduced to 1.5m. The width will depend upon traffic volumes, speeds, and how many large vehicles are using the route.

UK Carbon Emissions Map. A web application which visualises carbon emissions throughout the UK, from area level to km level through the use of Google Maps. Also includes an action planner where users can post suggestions on how to improve carbon emissions in their area.

Have you seen fixmystreet.com?
Alternatively, to report potholes or problems with roads and pavements click here. Alternatively contact ActionLine on 0800 5191919 Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm or via their website. For potholes, you can also use the Fill that hole website.